About your new job

As Chief Financial Officer, you will step into a newly created role that offers significant strategic and operational responsibilities within Warakirri Group. Reporting directly to the Group CFO, you will play a pivotal part in shaping the financial strategies of our organisation and lead the finance function of one of our Agriculture operating platforms. In collaboration with the platform CEO and corporate team, you will create a cohesive executive relationship, ensuring that operational and strategic outcomes are met effectively.

This role is designed for a forward-thinking leader who can contribute to the financial vision of Warakirri Group, leveraging your expertise to evaluate profitability, performance, and resource optimisation. You will lead the development and implementation of best practices that support strong fiscal management, working closely with senior management to ensure that financial strategies align with our broader business goals. You will have extensive experience with ERP implementations, including project management and system integration.

In this dynamic environment, your leadership will be crucial in guiding financial planning and analysis, as well as fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the finance function. You will have the opportunity to influence key decisions that shape the future direction of our funds while maintaining compliance with statutory and corporate governance requirements.

Key responsibilities include:

• Collaborate with the Platform CEO and corporate team to develop structures for effective executive relationships that achieve strategic goals for the funds.
• Provide recommendations to the platform CEO and corporate management teams, helping to guide the strategic direction of the operating business.
• Oversee the implementation / upgrade of Group ERP system to enhance financial reporting, operational efficiency, and data accuracy.
• Evaluate fund profitability and performance, presenting recommendations for resource optimisation.
• Monitor and direct the implementation of strategic business plans, developing and managing key performance measures.
• Deliver financial advice and analysis to the Board of Directors, CEO, and senior management on all aspects of financial management for the platform.
• Establish strong relationships with senior leadership teams to identify needs and provide a full range of business solutions.
• Oversee the platform's transactional processing systems and monitor investment strategies for optimum return at minimum risk exposure.
• Ensure timely preparation and delivery of all financial reporting and maintain compliance with statutory and corporate governance procedures.
• Manage cash flow and funding strategies, negotiating financing options to maximise the financial strength of the funds.
• Lead the development and implementation of robust financial policies and procedures that support effective governance and risk management across the organisation.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reporting capabilities.

About the opportunity

Step into a pivotal role within our Compliance team at the Canberra Head Office, where your contributions will have a direct impact on both the day-to-day operations and the execution of key corporate projects. This is more than just a job—it's a chance to deepen your expertise in financial services compliance, work on high-level initiatives, and grow within a dynamic, supportive environment.

You'll play a central role in managing and maintaining our compliance framework, ensuring that processes run smoothly, tasks are completed with precision, and regulatory standards are consistently met. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with a passion for detail and a drive to develop within the fast-paced world of financial compliance, especially for university students or recent graduates of legal or business studies. Full-time or part-time (minimum 20 hrs/wk) arrangements will be considered.

Key Responsibilities

As a valued member of the team and reporting directly to the Compliance Manager, you will:

• Support the management of our operational compliance and risk program, ensuring RFM meets all AFS licence, ASX, and Corporations Act obligations.
• Organise and manage key documents and tasks within our compliance system.
• Maintain and update essential compliance registers.
• Foster a culture of compliance, promoting adherence to legal, regulatory, and fiduciary duties.
• Prepare reports for the Internal Compliance Committee and the Board.
• Assist in updating and finalising policies, managing version control, and driving process improvements.
• Provide crucial support with verification, due diligence, and document production.

To thrive in this role, you’ll need:

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong relationship-building skills, particularly when working with external service providers.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
• A Certificate in Governance Practice or Governance and Risk Management is a plus.
• Qualifications or progress toward a degree in commerce, management, law, corporate governance, or similar fields are highly valued.
• Experience with compliance or legal matters, particularly within financial services, is an advantage.
• Project planning or management skills are also desirable.

What We Offer

In return for your expertise, we offer:

• A competitive salary based on your experience and qualifications.
• A company-provided laptop to support your role.
• Salary continuance and life insurance (subject to eligibility).
• An annual discretionary bonus (subject to eligibility).
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program for personal and professional support.

This role presents a unique opportunity to build a career in financial services compliance while making a tangible impact in an established company. If you're ready to take on a challenge, we’d love to hear from you!

How to Apply:

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a covering letter addressing the requirements and key responsibilities, and whether you seek a full-time or part-time role, by 14 November 2024.

About Rural Funds Management:

Rural Funds Management (RFM) is an industry leader managing approximately $2.4 billion in agricultural assets on behalf of retail and institutional investors, including the ASX-listed Rural Funds Group (RFF). We have over 27 years' experience owning, developing, and operating farms in most Australian states. 

At RFM, our culture is built on the core principle of 'Managing good assets with good people.' We believe in being precise, offering variety, rewarding effort, and providing a friendly workplace. 

Joining RFM means becoming part of a dedicated team of over 250 professionals, including fund managers, finance experts, horticulturists, agronomists, and farm managers. Whether you are seeking a corporate or operational role, RFM has a place for individuals who are passionate about agriculture and finance.